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Thursday, November 29, 2012

My Tips Theme Continues; Liz DeJesus Style: What to Take to Your Book Signing

My super Musaling author friend, Liz DeJesus wrote a fabulous post about the above topic, so of course, I hijacked it! LOL...Liz gave me permission to share her vital information with my blogosphere.

Even if you think you are far from a book signing, trust me, if you dream it, it will come. My first is upcoming and I found each and every one of Liz's tips priceless. At the end of the blog, thank her, comment, and check out her books. That's the best way to show gratitude to an indie author. Now, enjoy the tips!

Recently went to B
& N and there was a lady there having a book signing. I purchased a copy of
her book because I support indie authors. But I was surprised at how completely
bare her table was. No business cards. No handouts. Nothing...just her book. I
can understand if she couldn't afford any of it but how are people supposed to
check out her book and her other books if they don't have something to take
home and at least remind them of their visit?

So in preparation of my own book signing on December 8th, here's a short list
of everything I'm going to bring to Between Books.

1.Business cards. Seriously, this is a basic necessity, you can
go to vistaprint.com and get 250 of them for $10. I look at it as 250 potential
book sales. Sure, someone can easily toss it in the trash the moment they walk
out of the store but there's that tiny chance that someone might turn around
and buy a copy of your book.

2.Handouts. The last time I had a book signing I designed a really nice
looking pamphlet with an excerpt of The Jackets. That actually worked for me.
It gave people a moment to stop at my table or even walk around the store to
read the excerpt. I had about 3-4 people come back to buy my book from that
alone. And since my hubby printed them in color for me at work that didn't cost
me anything so I actually made a profit. :D (See? The smartz. I haz them.)

3. The cover of your book on display. Some publishers will
send the author a few pieces of cardboard with just the cover of your book. I
use them and stick them by the store window and display it on the table.

4.Smile. No one will buy your book if you're a big ol' grouch.
Smile. Chat with people. Be witty. Be funny. Show your personality. Don't just
sit at the table staring off into space.

5.Don't write during your book signing. You're not in a zoo. No one wants to see you
in your natural habitat or your natural state of being. You're there to sell
your book. Don't ignore people.

6.Freebies. People love free stuff. If you can afford it have some
stickers made with the cover of your book. I went to moo.com and I got some
really nice ones made.

7.Talk up your book. No one knows your book better than you do.
When someone asks you what your book is about don't freeze up and please don't
start with 'Uh...um...it's a like..." If it helps, try and memorize the
blurb in the back of the book that way it gives you something to start with. Most
people want to know about your writing. How long you've been at it. Is this
your first book? Etc. Talk to people. Which is funny considering how most
authors are a bunch of introverts and often lack social skills but this is one
area you need to work on. Especially if you wanna make it as an author.

8.Don't be nervous. People are just people. No one is going to
judge you or make fun of you or anything like that. So just relax and have
fun.

9.Bring a nice pen. Don't bring a large marker, or a crazy colored
Sharpie. Whatever pen you use to write with, use that to sign your books. No
one wants to see your name signed in neon pink. Black or blue will
suffice.

10.Have fun. You're probably going to invite friends and
family to your book signing. Have fun. Share your love of books and writing
with them.

Hope this helps. I'll be sure to share some pictures from my upcoming book
signing. :)

Be sure and let Liz know how much you enjoyed the post. There are a million ways to contact her. Here are a few:

Hi Lindsey! Thanks for reading the blog post. :) Don't worry. I've had signings where I only sold one copy of my book after being there for 3 hours. You win some, you lose some.

Another thing that another author suggested (which is genius if you ask me) is to have a bowl of candy. Everyone loves candy. ;) I ordered some mini cards from moo.com (my new favorite website) and I plan on punching a little hole through it and tying a piece of candy to it. So that way, people get candy and your basic information all at once. :D